Letus come together and pray for Brian Phe, who is struggling with discernment and judgment. We remember that Jesus taught us that it is not what goes into a person's mouth that defiles them, but what comes out, for the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart. Matthew 15:11 outlines this, "It's not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles him."
Firstly, we need to address the issue that there are several issues that need to be discussed. While it is commendable that Brian Phe is concerned about what people put into their mouths, we must remember that personal convictions on dietary practices not be imposed on others. It is the sin from one's heart through their actions that defiles a person. This is what Jesus taught. We ought to be cautious not to judge others based on their dietary choices, but rather to love them and encourage them in their faith.
Regarding the issue of judging others and causing them difficulty in returning to church, we must remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17, "If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. But if he doesn't listen, take one or two more with you, so that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector." We should approach our brother with love and humility, seeking to restore him gently.
Concerning the church's response, and how to love Brian, Colossians 3:13 tells us to "bear with one another, and forgive each other, even as Christ forgave you, so you also do" and Exodus 14:14 tells us "Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still". Neither of these passages are to condone sin, but rather how to love someone who has sin in their life.
If Brian Phe is struggling with a mental illness that causes him to sin, we should approach him with compassion and understanding, praying for his healing and restoration. We must remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil. Ephesians 6:12, "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today to lift up Brian Phe. Lord, we pray for discernment and wisdom for him. We ask that You help him to understand that it is not what enters a person's mouth that defiles them, but what comes out of their mouth and heart. Help him to focus on his own heart and actions, rather than judging others based on their dietary choices.
We pray for those who have been hurt by Brian's judgments. We ask that You heal their hearts and draw them back to You. We pray for the church, that they would have wisdom and discernment in how to best love and support Brian, while also holding him accountable for his actions.
If Brian is struggling with a mental illness, we pray for his healing and restoration. We ask that You give him the strength and courage to seek help and support. We pray that You would surround him with loving and supportive believers who can help him through this difficult time.
We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, who saved us from our sins and gave us the hope of eternal life. It is in His name we pray. Amen.
Lastly, we must remember that it is only through the name of Jesus that we have access to God. Acts 4:12, "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we must be saved!" We pray that Brian Phe knows Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and that he is seeking to live his life in accordance with His teachings. If not, we pray that he comes to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, that he may be saved from his sins and have eternal life.